From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 12, 2025
Herzog meets with Merz, as first foreign leader to be hosted by new German chancellor
Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
BERLIN — President Isaac Herzog meets with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.
Merz, who was only sworn in last week, notes while greeting him that the Israeli president is the first foreign leader he has hosted since taking office.
The two are not slated to make any public remarks. Merz tweeted earlier today in German and Hebrew that for the past 60 years, Israeli-German ties “have been a symbol of reconciliation and the unique responsibility of our country toward Israel.”
Therefore, he wrote, “we will act resolutely against antisemitism. The existence of Israel and its security are anchored in the essence of our existence.”
Herzog will be hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a state dinner this evening, then return to Israel tomorrow morning. Steinmeier will be joining Herzog in Israel for his own state visit, which will include a visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, which was devastated during Hamas’s October 7 attack.
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz greets Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Chancellery in Berlin.
Herzog is the first foreign leader to be hosted by Merz, who was only sworn in last week. pic.twitter.com/HZcMIpy7px
— Amy Spiro (@AmySpiro) May 12, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.